AGP Executive Report

Gun-safety policy: Washington’s HB 2320 is drawing fresh attention from the 3D-printing community, with critics warning the state is now regulating the digital files and tools that make “ghost guns” possible—not just the weapons themselves. Public records: Attorney General Nick Brown is nearing new guidance aimed at speeding up Washington’s Public Records Act compliance, after audits found requests and processing times have climbed and agencies spent $128 million responding in 2024. Homelessness funding: King County and Seattle are moving to restructure the KCRHA after an audit, with local officials racing to protect federal homeless dollars ahead of the 2027 funding deadline. Elections and courts: Brown’s office is leading multistate opposition to a Postal Service push tied to Trump’s voter eligibility plan, arguing it would unlawfully shift control of mail ballots away from states. Local government: Port Angeles is preparing to ring a Liberty Bell replica on the Fourth, a community effort tied to the city’s Bicentennial-era history. Tech and identity: Coveron expanded identity theft insurance to $2 million and added home title fraud coverage, reflecting how fraud risk is evolving.

Tax Repeal Push: Let’s Go Washington turned in 511,408 signatures to repeal Washington’s “millionaires tax,” setting up a November ballot fight over the 9.9% income tax on households earning over $1 million. Cybersecurity Leadership: WaTech’s CISO Ralph Johnson announced he’ll retire Sept. 1, with a national search for his replacement expected. Election Rules: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Washington’s vote-by-mail approach, allowing ballots received after Election Day if they were postmarked on time. Homelessness Governance: Seattle and King County move to restructure the KCRHA after an audit, with budget cuts and contract changes following findings of unaccounted funds. Data Center Tax Change: A new law ends sales-tax exemptions for certain data center repairs and refurbishment starting July 1, including labor-related costs. Fireworks & Drought: State and local officials warn that drought-driven wildfire risk means stricter fireworks rules, including a fireworks ban in Medical Lake for July 3-4. World Cup Meets Local Politics: Seattle’s World Cup traffic and fan crowds are sparking mixed reactions from nearby businesses, with some reporting match-day sales drops and others seeing benefits.

King County Homelessness Authority Shake-Up: After a damning audit, Seattle and King County moved to restructure and retake control of KCRHA, stripping local contracts and triggering layoffs and budget cuts. Public Safety & Courts: Spokane prosecutors abruptly declined to charge many felony domestic violence cases, citing staffing issues, raising concerns about enforcement consistency. State Policy & Health: Washington’s WA Cares long-term care program opened benefits, but coverage eligibility and outreach remain limited. Environment & Infrastructure: Washington data centers lose tax exemptions starting July 1, while the state also faces major summer heat risks and wildfire pressure. World Cup in Seattle: Belgium completed a historic comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, setting up a Round of 16 matchup in Seattle after the U.S. advanced past Bosnia. Local Governance: Governor Ferguson appointed Kelly Wood to a Thurston County court, continuing Olympia’s judicial staffing.

Longview Disaster Probe: Washington AG Nick Brown’s office is now joining the investigation into the May Nippon Dynawave packaging mill disaster that killed 11 workers, with authority to look for possible criminal activity. Homelessness Overhaul: Seattle and King County are taking back management of about $158 million in local homelessness contracts from KCRHA after an audit found major financial failures, with a phased reset starting now and changes by January 2027. WA Cares Launch: The state begins paying benefits from its new long-term care program, offering up to $36,500 in support funded by a payroll tax. AI Policy: A Washington AI task force recommends responsible AI use but punts on endorsing data-center guardrails and limits for state generative AI. Immigration Fallout in Spokane: Haitian residents with Temporary Protected Status in Spokane County face potential deportation after a Supreme Court decision clears the way to end TPS. Public Safety: Snohomish County’s “Operation Guardian” netted 21 arrests tied to exploitation and sexual abuse of children. Big Infrastructure: The Interstate Bridge project over the Columbia River cleared a federal record of decision, moving toward permitting and contractor selection.

Medicare & Drug Pricing: Starting July 1, Washington seniors will get a new Medicare “bridge” that cuts the cost of obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound to a flat $50 monthly copay through 2027, a major shift for fixed-income patients. LGBTQ+ Rights & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s school sports, setting up fresh legal and political pressure for Washington’s upcoming ballot fight over transgender sports. Seattle Housing Enforcement: Seattle is weighing an ordinance to stop “hunting” homeowners with unsolicited sales pitches by creating a city “do not solicit” list and adding fines for violators. Transportation Costs: With Washington’s gas tax increase kicking in July 1, one report highlights how drivers can use Walmart+ discounts to shave 10 cents a gallon at participating stations. Public Health Budgets: Snohomish County health officials warn that ongoing state and federal funding uncertainty could force staffing and program cuts. Elections Administration: San Juan County will run a logic and accuracy test of ballot tabulators ahead of its Aug. 4 primary, with public observation allowed. Local Justice: A King County judge found a man accused of killing UW trans student Juniper Blessing incompetent for trial, sending him to psychiatric restoration treatment.

Trans Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Idaho and West Virginia laws banning transgender girls and women from school sports, a blow to LGBTQ advocates that Washington activists say will shape the fall ballot fight. Seattle Housing/Consumer Protection: Seattle is weighing an ordinance to stop “hunting” homeowners with unwanted solicitations, creating a city-managed do-not-solicit list and fines for violators. Public Safety & Crime: Seattle is also moving to crack down on open-air drug dealing and disorder in Little Saigon, with more police and enforcement aimed at keeping sidewalks and bus stops safer. Election & Voting Fallout: The court also kept Washington’s mail-ballot rules in place, including allowing ballots received after Election Day if postmarked on time. State Government & Services: WA Cares Fund benefits begin July 1 for eligible long-term care needs, and Ecology is seeking public comment on a major Hanford Site permit renewal. Economy & Growth: Washington posted the fastest GDP growth in the U.S. in early 2026, driven largely by the tech sector. Environment & Travel: Dry conditions are driving fireworks burn bans across parts of Washington, while AAA expects record Fourth of July travel volumes. Local Homelessness: Edmonds opened a New Start Center offering 90-day transitional housing plus wraparound services.

Seattle Politics: Mayor Katie Wilson is endorsing left-leaning challengers in two Democratic primaries, backing Hannah Sabio-Howell over Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and backing Ron Davis over Rep. Gerry Pollet—an unusual break with longtime Olympia allies. State Elections & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on birthright citizenship, a case with major ripple effects for Washington’s election and immigration policy debates. Energy & Climate Policy: Washington Democrats are defending the state’s carbon market linkage with California and Quebec as a path to lower gas prices, but Rep. Dan Griffey says the program won’t deliver relief and points to rising auction prices and budget uncertainty. Local Government & Growth: Snohomish County has imposed a six-month freeze on new data centers in unincorporated areas while it develops rules, joining similar moves in Skagit and Seattle amid concerns about land use, infrastructure, and energy demand. Public Safety & Health: A Rand Corp. study finds nearly half of U.S. veterans are unsure whether discussing psychedelic use with VA doctors could jeopardize benefits. Community & Housing: A Walla Walla Head Start program faces potential closure risk for the 2026-27 school year.

Public Defense Funding: Washington public defense experts warn the state faces a safety-and-justice crisis unless lawmakers add money as caseload limits, attorney burnout, and tech pressures strain representation. Transportation Costs: Washington’s gas tax rises again July 1 under an automatic inflation formula, while critics question whether drivers are getting value as roads and bridges keep deteriorating. State Supreme Court Politics: The Washington GOP is expanding “recommendations” for upcoming Supreme Court primaries, setting up a crowded August contest for nonpartisan seats. Seattle Small Business Relief: Seattle’s Back to Business program is reimbursing vandalism and break-in repairs, and the city recently raised reimbursement limits to help more shops stay afloat. Amazon Prime Contract Fight: Federal consumer regulators accuse Amazon of using unfair contract terms to introduce ads to Prime Video, raising new legal stakes for the Seattle-based tech giant. Housing & Budget Reality Check: A new revenue forecast offers short-term relief from capital gains tax windfalls, but lawmakers warn the longer-term budget outlook remains tight. SCOTUS on Youth Gender Care: The U.S. Supreme Court will review a Washington law limiting when youth shelters can notify parents about runaway minors seeking gender transition services. World Cup in Washington: Seattle’s hosting continues to draw national praise, even as the U.S. team’s next match could trigger possible presidential/vice presidential flight restrictions.

Immigration Fraud in WA: Washington attorney Alexandra Lozano is facing lawsuits and a legal ethics probe after allegations she ran an “assembly-line” immigration scheme, allegedly fabricating abuse and trafficking claims for humanitarian visas without clients’ knowledge; her firm Luz del Camino Legal shut down and she surrendered her license. Housing Safety vs. Cost Cuts: States and cities are loosening building code rules to speed affordable housing, including proposals for single-stairway low-rise apartments, with critics warning safety protections were shaped by past tragedies. Carbon Markets: Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a carbon market linkage deal with California and Québec, aiming to cut emissions and unlock long-term clean energy investment. Early Learning Expansion: Washington’s state-funded pre-K program will add 2,500 free slots for the 2026-27 school year. Election Security Concern: A new memo says federal officials may no longer be a reliable hub for election threat information sharing with states. Pride Politics at Lumen Field: Iran and Egypt’s objections to Seattle’s World Cup “Pride Match” were rejected as FIFA allowed rainbow flags for the match.

Data Center Fight: Snohomish County council unanimously adopted a six-month moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas, aiming to pause siting while it weighs long-term rules and community impacts. Workplace Equity: A Washington State Women’s Commission report finds Black women in public-sector jobs face persistent bias, microaggressions, and unequal scrutiny, with many saying it harms advancement and pushes them to leave. State Courts: Retired Federal Way judge Dave Larson is running for Washington Supreme Court Position 5, challenging Justice Theo Angelis in a crowded August primary tied to ongoing income-tax litigation. Local Politics & Community: Eastern Washington Rep. Hunter Abell helped coordinate planting a black gum tree from George Washington’s estate on the Capitol campus for the state’s America’s 250th connection. Public Health & Safety: A report highlights how extreme heat and humidity can raise health risks and why hydration breaks are increasingly debated in outdoor sports.

NHL Draft Fallout: The 2026 NHL draft is complete, and ESPN’s grading points to clear winners and value left on the board, with Toronto’s aggressive push highlighted after landing No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna and adding Darren Raddysh. WNBA Safety Debate: Caitlin Clark’s early-career face-hit history is back in the spotlight, fueling fresh arguments about officiating, player intent, and the politics fans read into contact. Housing Cost vs. Safety: States are moving to loosen building codes to cut construction costs—like allowing some low-rise apartments to use a single stairway—while safety critics warn those rules were shaped by past tragedies. Local Tax Fight: Spokane County voters will weigh an extra $53 a year for library funding, as the district seeks to raise its levy rate for maintenance and operations. Immigration Enforcement Scrutiny: A new look at Idaho’s ICE transfer network raises questions about where detainees go next, including flights routing through the region. Seattle Pride Match Politics: FIFA allowed rainbow flags at the Egypt-Iran World Cup game in Seattle despite objections from both teams, turning the event into a flashpoint for LGBTQ rights and international politics.

NHL Draft Fallout (Seattle): The 2026 NHL draft is complete, with 224 prospects landing new homes after a week of major trades. For Washington-area fans, the Seattle Kraken added Sudbury Wolves defenseman Finn Kearns in the fifth round (131st overall), continuing the franchise’s pipeline-building through the draft. State Ballot Fight: Opponents of Washington’s new “millionaires’ tax” are moving toward a November repeal bid, filing signatures by July 2 to put the income-tax rollback on the ballot. World Cup Politics in Seattle: The Egypt-Iran “Pride Match” kept Washington in the spotlight as both teams and their countries objected to rainbow-flag displays, while FIFA allowed them anyway—setting up a high-profile clash that mixed sports, diplomacy, and LGBTQ rights. Public Safety & Labor: A state labor-safety probe into Washington’s Nippon Dynawave/Longview plant highlighted prior valve-related incidents before a deadly chemical spill, raising fresh questions about oversight and risk controls.

World Cup in Seattle: Egypt advanced to the Round of 32 after a 1-1 draw with Iran, setting up Australia next for the Socceroos; the big local sports question is whether Mohamed Salah can play after a left-knee injury, with coach Hossam Hassan saying he’s being assessed and could return. Olympia & local governance: Writers weigh in on how state decisions hit communities, including a pushback against the “Homeless Bill of Rights” approach that would limit local enforcement without “adequate shelter,” plus a property-tax explainer focused on Snohomish County’s many taxing jurisdictions. Workforce & education: Snohomish County’s Regional Apprenticeship Pathways program is highlighted as a hands-on trades pipeline for high school students. Nonprofit funding: The Marguerite Casey Foundation plans to increase giving to at least $50M annually, citing urgent needs for civil society. Labor protections: L&I outreach is framed as a way to reduce anxiety for immigrant workers by emphasizing enforceable state workplace rights.

Immigration & Courts: Spokane’s Haitian community is bracing after the U.S. Supreme Court let the Trump administration end TPS, leaving about 150 people uncertain about returning to Haiti despite a “Do Not Travel” advisory. Elections & Voting Access: A federal judge blocked Trump’s push to tighten mail-in voting by requiring states to hand over voter registration lists, a win Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs says protects free elections. State Budget: Washington’s capital gains tax brought in $1.5B—easing a near-term deficit—but lawmakers warn the next budget cycle still looks shaky. Climate Policy: Washington signed an agreement to link its carbon market with California and Quebec, with a joint auction expected to launch in 2027. Local Accountability: A jury awarded $17M in the Mead High hazing case, and the district is pledging to learn from the verdict. World Cup Politics in Seattle: As Iran and Egypt play a “Pride Match” at Lumen Field, FIFA is allowing rainbow flags despite objections, while the U.S. carried out strikes in Iran hours before kickoff. Public Safety: Whidbey Island families are homeless after a fireworks explosion; ATF is investigating.

World Cup Pride Fight in Seattle: FIFA says rainbow flags will be allowed inside Lumen Field for Friday’s Egypt-Iran match, even as both teams urged FIFA to block Pride-linked displays and ceremonies. Local Governance & Economy: Seattle’s host committee says the “Pride Match Day” is a long-planned city tradition outside the official match program, while some businesses report mixed World Cup boosts. Immigration Fallout in Washington: A Supreme Court ruling lets the Trump administration end deportation protections for Haitian and Syrian immigrants, putting about 150 Spokane-area Haitians at risk, according to a local community leader. Higher Ed Shakeup: Eastern Washington University trustees voted to end nine majors, including gender studies and urban/regional planning. Public Policy & Health: A federal push to crack down on online child exploitation via the James T. Woods Act is gaining momentum, while Washington residents also face Medicare AI preapproval problems nationwide. Housing/Legal Notices: Multiple Pierce County trustee-sale notices were filed this week.

Redistricting & “stalking” charge: A Kennewick man, Trevor Delorme, says he “did nothing wrong” after being charged in a reported photo-taking incident outside state Sen. Nikki Torres’ Pasco-area home, with the dispute tied to Torres’ move after a federal redistricting ruling. Supreme Court race: Justice Colleen Melody argues for a two-year term on the Washington Supreme Court, defending her appellate experience and explaining how voters should weigh ties to Gov. Bob Ferguson and the AG’s office. School liability: A Spokane County jury ordered Mead School District to pay $17 million to families over a 2023 football hazing incident, with additional federal Title IX claims still pending. Cybersecurity planning: Federal agencies have four months to finalize quantum-ready migration plans under OMB guidance, prioritizing high-impact systems for post-quantum cryptography upgrades. World Cup in Seattle: FIFA says rainbow flags will be allowed at the Egypt-Iran match at Lumen Field despite objections from both federations, while banning Iran’s Lion and Sun flag; the game is framed locally as a “Pride Match.” Economic development: Gov. Bob Ferguson launched a new Governor’s Economic Development Council, naming business, labor, tribal, education, and major employer leaders. Broadband funding: Washington’s Public Works Board awarded $5.1 million for broadband projects in Island, Kitsap, and Okanogan counties.